Patent US3669218A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3669218A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Portable steps for a vehicle or the like
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-05-19
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Granted: 1972-06-13
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Expires: 1991-05-19
Abstract
Abstract A step assembly is hingedly connected at its upper end in depending relation to a horizontal platform by a support rod pivotally connected to the platform for swinging movement of the step assembly between an upright utility position and a retracted stored position.
Inventors
- 👤 Joshua D Hall
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 16:01
CPC Classifications
E; E06; E06C; E06C9/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
103 words
A retractable step assembly, for an elevated platform having a depending surface, comprising: step members extending downwardly and outwardly from said platform, said step members including a pair of side rails interconnected by at least one horizontal tread; hinge means connecting the upper end portion of said side rails to said platform for vertical and horizontal pivoting movement of the other end portion of said side rails from a platform access position to a horizontal stored position adjacent the depending surface of said platform; and latch means cooperating with said hinge means in supporting said step members in access and stored positions, respectively.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
103 words
A retractable step assembly, for an elevated platform having a depending surface, comprising: step members extending downwardly and outwardly from said platform, said step members including a pair of side rails interconnected by at least one horizontal tread; hinge means connecting the upper end portion of said side rails to said platform for vertical and horizontal pivoting movement of the other end portion of said side rails from a platform access position to a horizontal stored position adjacent the depending surface of said platform; and latch means cooperating with said hinge means in supporting said step members in access and stored positions, respectively.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
60 words
A retractable step assembly according to claim 1 in which said hinge means comprises: an L-shaped rod having its foot portion vertically disposed and connected with said platform for horizontal pivoting movement of its leg portion in parallel spaced relation below said platform, the leg portion of said rod projecting transversely through the upper end portion of said side rails.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
63 words
A retractable step assembly according to claim 2 in which said latch means includes: a plate-like arm secured to said platform in depending relation, said arm having a transverse slot in one edge surface removably receiving the free end portion of said rod; and, lever meAns pivotally connected with said arm for gripping said rod in cooperation with the slot in said arm.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
79 words
A retractable step assembly according to claim 3 in which said lever means includes: a rockable lever having a handle portion, at one end, and having a head portion, at its other end, movable toward and away from said rod by vertical pivoting movement of its handle portion; and, resilient means depending from said platform and frictionally engaged with the head portion of said lever for maintaining the head of said lever in rod gripping and released position, respectively.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
51 words
A retractable step assembly according to claim 4 and further including: an L-bolt secured to one said side rail opposite its hingedly connected end portion, one end portion of said L-bolt projecting laterally of said one side rail in parallel spaced relation for cooperative reception by the slot in said arm.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-06-13 | 1975-12-13 | 1976-06-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-06-13 | 1979-12-13 | 1980-06-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-06-13 | 1983-12-13 | 1984-06-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |